For all the horror that winter brings in Manhattan, she certainly makes up for it in June. The city is happy, the energy is good, and behind every turn awaits an explosions of flowers, artists, farmers market harvests, and the sparkling sunlight. The Hudson glitters like a canary diamond and, for once, even the garbage trucks seem to hum quietly to themselves while lovers quarrels are called to a truce in place of strolls through the park in all the quiet pleasures of life.

I went to the farmers market, I walked Riverside Park, I explored Gotham Market and learned that rice crispy treat ice cream is a thing and it’s amazing. I started watching the 2nd season of Chef’s Table (one of my all time favorite food shows) and enjoyed my new Diptyque candle that smells of home cooked Madeleines. This I photographed {above} with my Monica Rich Kosann locket and a memento from one of the sweetest moments of the weekend — when I stumbled upon a poet writing poems for donation which he bases on any theme you told him. I asked him to make me a poem on Provence and this is what he wrote…

The image need not be imagine

it’s beautiful as it is

The people need not be questioned

they’ve an honest way to live

Give to the land and in return

the land gives back to you

It’s funny how we go so far

to learn the truth

-Lynn Gentry

“Provence”

Riverside Park

June 11^th, 2016

Below, walking home with my new Haerfest backpack full of farmers market treasures in a dress by Tia Cibani. 

Sunday Cocktails: The Kentucky Buck

Ingredients

• .5 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1  Medium strawberry
• 1.5 oz Bourbon
• .5 oz Simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ginger beer

How to Make

• In a shaker, muddle the lemon juice and strawberry.
• Add the bourbon, simple syrup and bitters, and fill with ice.
• Shake, and strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wheel and a thinly sliced strawberry.

Riverside Park: 35 Years of Community Gardening

Right at the end of my block is the 91st street garden, a community garden visualized and planted 35 years ago right alongside the Hudson River. This weekend they celebrated coming together, giving back to the earth and creating a sanctuary for all those who live here. One of the reasons I chose to live where I did is so I can enjoy this little Garden of Eden casually, every day. I love watching her blossom in the spring, when she’s covered in snow, and as she quietly begins transition to sleep in the fall… This weekend, she was perfect.

Images from a previous weekend…